Lexus upgrades Hybrid crossover
Lexus has introduced the UX 250h minor change coming with updated features for the 2022 model year.
The hybrid crossover from Lexus now comes with a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and dual USB ports up front.
The UX 250h is powered by a 2.0-litre hybrid powertrain mated to an electronic CVT. Maximum output and torque is claimed at 184hp and 188Nm respectively. The electric motor, which is powered by a nickel metal hydride battery, pumps out 109hp and 202Nm.
Lexus claims a maximum output from the hybrid system of 184hp and an average fuel economy of 22.7kpl. An EV mode button allows the UX 250h to be driven by the electric motor at low speeds. Acceleration from 0-100kph takes 8.5sec while the top speed is claimed at 177kph.
According to Lexus, the UX 250h is built on the GA-C (Global Architecture-Compact Platform) that utilises aluminium components for low weight and high rigidity, along with laser welding and increased welding points.
There are three trim levels — Luxury (2.54 million baht), Grand Luxury (2.74 million baht) and F Sport AWD (3.67 million baht).
The F Sport variant features an aerodynamic kit, sports seats, active sound control and adaptive variable suspension.
Chinese EV maker launches new car
Chinese EV manufacturer is making its official debut in Thailand by launching the Neta V city car priced at 549,000 baht.
The Neta V comes with a 95hp electric motor with 150Nm of torque, along with a 38.5kWh lithium-ion battery offering a range of 380km (NEDC). Charging times vary from eight hours for AC normal charge to 30 minutes via DC quick charge (30-80%).
The interior features a large 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen with smartphone connectivity plus Ride & Go function.
Neta says it already has 24 dealers covering Bangkok and major provinces nationwide, which will increase to 30 by the end of 2022.
Neta Auto (Thailand) is also joining hands with Arun Plus, a subsidiary of PTT, in creating an EV ecosystem, as well as assembly of Neta vehicles within 2024. Thailand will serve as the production hub for Neta vehicles for the Asean region.
General manager Bao Zhuangfei said Neta will introduce electric vehicles in both passenger car and SUV segments following the Neta V, which is targeted at the B-car segment.
Neta was founded four years ago and is the fastest-growing EV producer in China with more than 170,000 vehicles produced to date.
Volvo battery upgrade offers longer range
Volvo is now providing long-range batteries for its plug-in hybrid vehicle line-up in Thailand, offering customers longer EV range and lower CO2 emissions.
According to Volvo Cars Thailand, the free upgrade covers the S60 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid, V60 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid, S90 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid, XC60 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid and XC90 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid.
The new battery has a capacity of 18.8kWh (up from 11.6kW) and helps improve acceleration and lower fuel consumption, in addition to increasing the range in Pure Mode (EV) on a single charge by almost two times.
The XC60 Recharge and S90 Recharge also comes with a Creep Mode that is perfect for use in slow traffic. When the function is active the car will move slowly in the selected travel direction without the accelerator pedal being used.
Keyword: Improvements abound in EV-hybrid market